FOR THE past three years a road in Spencers Wood has lit up the sky with its Christmas lights.
The residents of Simonds Grove share their love of festive decorations with the borough by festooning their homes with an impressive array of twinkling bulbs.
Resident Caroline Male, said: “My mother in law Hilda Male sadly died of cancer on my son’s December birthday three years ago, and her favourite time of year was Christmas.
“Our family, like so many others were supported by MacMillan, so we decided to raise money for the charity, and raised £1,900.
“This year we’re doing it again, supporting this wonderful charity.”
Simonds Grove is a relatively new street.
“We were one of the first to move into the road, six years ago,” said Caroline.
“My husband and one of our new neighbours just said, ‘let’s do Christmas’.
“It’s really down to the dads in the road, they just spur each other on.
“There are currently around 15 or 16 houses lit up, and one in particular is completely smothered in lights.”
People come from around the borough to enjoy the display.
“We’re just off the main road, so people see the lights and pull in to come and have a look,” said Caroline.
“It starts getting very busy around mid December, but I’ve been surprised how big the crowds have been right up to Christmas Eve.
“Last year on that day we we all had mince pies outside, and around 300 to 400 visitors turned up to join us.
“We all love it.”
The dads of the street work over a weekend to help each other put up their displays, which are all very different.
“A new couple in their 80s moved in earlier this year, and didn’t realise what we all get up to at Christmas.
“But they really wanted to get involved, so they bought some lights and asked my husband to put them up for them.”
Because Caroline has three young boys, they have dinosaurs lighting up the front garden.
“When we go to play dates, the boys ask where other people’s lights are – they think it’s normal to have all these bulbs in the road – but of course it isn’t,” she said.
“We’d love people to donate to MacMillan if they enjoy our displays – every bit will help.”
The displays at Simonds Grove will be up until the new year, for visitors to view.
To donate to MacMillan Cancer Care, visit: justgiving.com and search for Caroline Male.
